I think I have a 1977 Chevy small block 350 in my 64 Pickup. I'm putting the engine back together, and am wondering what spark plug wires and wire "holders" to order, and where from. I believe the plug wires should be routed from the distributer, behind and around the heads, then come up from beneath the spark plugs, as the block has two 1/4" bolt holes behind the heads, where I believe some spark plug wire holders should go, as well as two 1/4" holes on each side of the block, under the spark plugs. Some of the V-8 plug wires aren't long enough to be routed this way, and if they go over the valve covers the rams head style exhaust manifolds will burn them. Does anyone know what year / model had the plug wires routed as above (so I can order the correct set) and where I can get the plug wire holders that will work for the set-up mentioned? Also, the valve covers each have two flat strap brackets going cross-wise. What would have mounted on them? Not sure if you can see on the attached photo of what I'm talking about. Thanks for any help! Tom
This link will help you identify the year of the block and heads. http://www.73-87.com/chevy_ids/sbcid2.htm Most plug wire setups I've seen route them from the distributor along the top of the valve cover and then down to the plug. Running the ram style exhaust manifold this creates a problem. I CAN see why your wanting to run the the other way. http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+4294925143+4294756594+4294862572+115&Nao=0#rstop Try searching google for the ram style exhaust manifold, this may show some helpful pictures. The valve covers your running have the welded tabs to mount the flat OEM spark plug holders. On some late model setups manufactures use valve cover bolts that have post on top to slide the wire holder on to. Looks like your going to need a universal set.
pics of my 87 i don't know if this helps....differnt vlve covers. brackets for wires bolt to heads - broke off on driverside in pic, melted to exhaust- that's custom - costs extra
Thanks Thanks for your replies. I looked at a 62 truck today with the original set up, and with the ram's head exhaust manifolds. The plug wires went around behind the heads, and came up from under the exhaust manfolds onto the spark plugs.
yeah it's 18volt, not sure how that pic sneaked in. supposed to be top secret carpenter tech. it came with instructions for building a fence from a lawn chair while the wife holds the fence boards - promises she'll never ask you to build or fix anything again. what's the point of the ram horn exhaust? just a different design? older? better? i like the look.
The ram horn manifold was the best flowing exhaust manifold in it's time. Back before headers were so common, people used it because all the exhaust ports were the same (or close) length. Unlike most ex. manifolds the front cylinders had the furtherest to travel, while the rear cylinders dumped almost at the ex.pipe.
Correct Spark Plug Wires I believe I found what I'm looking for for correct spark plug wires and holders for the 64. This web site had the correct spark plug wires that come up from under the exhaust manifolds...... www.Swapmeetparts.com and this web site has the correct spark plug shields and holders. www.americanclassictruckparts.com Other sites may have the correct stuff, but they sure don't give you enough information on the parts to make an informed decission! The first web site takes PayPal...... that's a bonus in my book. Hope this helps someone.
